Myllokunmingia

Myllokunmingia is a genus of small, early tetrapod from the Early Permian period, approximately 299 million years ago. It is known from a single species, Myllokunmingia yingi, which was discovered in the Kunming Basin of Yunnan Province, China. The genus is notable for its small size, with the holotype specimen measuring only about 10 centimeters in length.

Myllokunmingia is characterized by several unique features, including a relatively long and slender body, short limbs, and a small head with a broad snout. Its skull is distinctive, with a large, rounded orbit and a narrow, elongated postorbital region. The teeth are small and conical, suggesting a diet of soft-bodied prey.

The fossil of Myllokunmingia was found in association with other early tetrapods, including the amphibian Eogyrinus and the synapsid Sclerocephalus. This association suggests that Myllokunmingia may have been an early member of the tetrapod radiation, which diversified rapidly during the Early Permian.

Despite its small size and relatively simple anatomy, Myllokunmingia provides valuable insights into the early evolution of tetrapods. Its discovery has helped to fill a gap in the fossil record, providing a better understanding of the diversity and evolution of early tetrapods during the Early Permian.